Ohio Principal Dismissed for Sheltering Homeless Student
August 26, 2026
An Ohio principal lost his job for prioritizing a homeless student’s well-being over district regulations, offering him a stable home and a chance to complete his education.
Ron (left) and DeDe | Credit: USA Today / Reuters
Rob Burnside, a veteran educator with 31 years of experience, found himself at odds with the rules while serving as principal at Lakota East High School near Cincinnati. A student, Landerius Hayes, known as DeDe, was experiencing homelessness, which was affecting his ability to attend school consistently.
Hayes confided in CBS News that his home life was unstable, describing unsafe conditions with his mother and a father grappling with personal issues. He often resorted to sleeping in a heated car to escape the cold of his father’s mobile home.
Despite these challenges, Hayes continued attending school until a letter arrived during his junior year, notifying Lakota East of his mother’s relocation outside the district, which meant he could no longer attend.
Choosing to question the system rather than comply, Burnside sought alternatives.
The district’s stance was unequivocal: Hayes needed to enroll in the school corresponding to his new address. However, Burnside was determined to ensure Hayes could complete his education without interruption.
Discussing the dilemma with his wife, Angel, led to an unexpected solution.
“Well, he can come stay with us, if he needs to,” she suggested.
The Burnsides, who had already adopted two children, extended their home to Hayes. After reaching out to his mother, they offered him a place to stay.
Recalling the moment, Burnside shared, “We said, you know, ‘God, if this is your will for this young man to be in our home,’ you know, ‘make it clear.'”
Within minutes, Hayes reached out to Burnside, which the principal took as a sign.
“Hey, Mr. Burnside,” Hayes messaged, prompting Burnside to tell his wife, “I think we just got our answer.”
Hayes moved in, finally experiencing much-needed stability.
However, allowing Hayes to continue attending Lakota East, despite being out of district, came with consequences.
The district expressed doubts about Burnside’s ability to remain an effective leader, offering him the choice between resignation or undergoing termination proceedings.
Hayes, willing to move back with his mother to preserve Burnside’s career, faced rejection from the principal.
“No. You’re gonna stay with me,” Burnside assured, later affirming, “DeDe, you’re part of this family. We’re not gonna turn our back on you.”
After the Burnsides became his legal guardians, Hayes legally returned to school, completing his education elsewhere.
In May, Hayes graduated from a different high school, supported by his new family, the Burnsides, whom he affectionately calls Pops and Ma.
Hayes is now training to become an aviation mechanic.
Despite the professional setback, Burnside remains steadfast in his decision, stating, “Because what value can we put on the life of a young person?”
For Hayes, the impact is profound, as he reflected tearfully,
“When I think about it now, it’s like I don’t know how I’m here. At first, I was in a cold car, barely eating, barely in a school, just trying to be a good person. And now, I’m eating now. I’m in the house, being a kid.”
The Burnsides provided more than just shelter; they offered family, safety, and an educational future. Burnside’s loss of employment underscores his commitment to a student’s life beyond academic achievements.
